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Belfast Harbor recovery costs and budget tweaks discussed after January storm
Summary
Harbor Master Kathy Given told the City Council storm damage in January flooded the harbor office and damaged systems; most major systems are restored, a new pump awaits hookup, and the council adjusted several harbor budget lines while noting some repairs may be reimbursed by the state.
Harbor Master Kathy Given summarized storm damage and recovery work at Belfast Harbor during the council's budget hearing, telling members that the January storm "wiped out" many harbor systems, flooded her office and displaced workspace, but contractors secured through long‑standing industry relationships have restored most major systems.
City Manager Herbert praised Given's leadership and credited her relationships for accelerating repairs: "we were able to get a lot of that work completed, very quickly, because of Kathy's long term relationships with so many different folks," he said. Given told the council a new pump has arrived but the city is "just waiting for a plumber and the electrician to finish getting it hooked up."
Councilors pressed for interim service details and costs. Given said state rules cap pump‑out fees at $5 but allow the state to reimburse maintenance and that larger vessels may be charged more if the city elects to do so. She added the state reimburses about 90% of maintenance for pump‑out systems.
On budget lines, councilors and manager reviewed accounts line by line: supplies and expenses were negotiated up to a $6,300 compromise after members pointed to past spending and a recent ~$500 order; facilities and float maintenance were increased to reflect one‑time repairs to the fisherman's hoist and pump‑out work (the manager said pump‑out expenses are expected to be reimbursed); harbor projects account shows a current balance (~$13,009) while Harbor Projects and mooring maintenance lines were adjusted to match projected usage and inspection labor increases.
The council also reviewed capital items: a quoted underwater inspection for the footbridge piers was presented (~$29,009) and Thompson's Wharf reserve set‑aside continues at $2,000 annually. Councilors and staff noted ongoing steps to rebuild floats in‑house to save costs and that an invoice tied to removal of the vessel Sequoia has been billed to the owner but not yet paid.
The harbor presentation concluded with staff agreeing to follow up on outstanding reimbursements and to continue budget work in later sessions.
